Vacant lots in Durham are held to the same standard as occupied ones. Dense weeds, vines, briars, or undergrowth, and accumulated refuse on an unoccupied lot are declared public nuisances the City can order cleared and abate at the owner's cost.
Durham City Code Ch. 26, Art. VI applies expressly to lots "occupied and unoccupied," so absentee owners of vacant lots are responsible. Sec. 26-181 declares dense growths of weeds, vines, briars, or undergrowth a nuisance where they harbor pests or threaten health, injury, or fire; Sec. 26-179 does the same for accumulated refuse and debris. Sec. 26-182 makes it unlawful to maintain property in a prohibited condition. Owners who cannot be located are notified by newspaper publication plus posting. Repeat offenders can be declared "chronic violators" and abated without further notice for the rest of the year.
Civil penalty $100 first day plus $10/day; abatement cost with 8% interest becomes a lien collected as unpaid taxes, and a lien on other owner property within one mile except the primary residence.
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See how Durham County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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